Services 494, 495, 496, Leominster, Kingsland, Shobdon and Pembridge

Journeys have been reinstated to provide opportunities for essential travel.                                                          

The following journeys will run on Monday to Friday effective 18^th January 2021:

•             0730 494 from Shobdon (unchanged)

•             1305 496 from Leominster (circular service)  (new)

•             1515 494 from Leominster (unchanged)

•             1745 495 from Leominster (reinstated)

The full timetable can be found Here

The decennial census is almost upon us.

Households across Herefordshire will soon be asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

Information from the digital-first census will help decide how services are planned and funded in your local area. This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes.

Households will receive a letter with a unique access code in the post, allowing them to complete their questionnaire online.

Paper questionnaires will be available on request.

Census day is March 21.

For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk

Keep Herefordshire Warm is Herefordshire Council’s home energy advice service. By providing a freephone advice line, dedicated home energy advisors and grant funding for eligible homes, Keep Herefordshire Warm supports households to use less energy, lower their bills and make energy-saving improvements to their properties.

Homes relying on electric heating may be eligible for free first-time central heating, grants are available for insulation and support for when your boiler needs repairing or replacing. Warm, affordable homes are vital to health and quality of life – and Keep Herefordshire Warm is here to help make the winter months more comfortable.

Call friendly advisors for free on 0800 677 1432, or visit keepherefordshirewarm.co.uk

Herefordshire Council is encouraging residents and businesses to have their say on the future of rubbish and recycling collection services in the county.

The council’s current rubbish and recycling collection contract is due to end in 2023. Since the current service was introduced the government has announced a new national resource and waste strategy and the council will have to make changes to collections to ensure it meets new requirements.

Making sure that as much as possible is recycled will be an important element of future plans, in line with the ambition for a more sustainable county outlined in the County Plan.

Find out more and to complete the survey at: melresearch.co.uk/herefordshirewastesurvey

People without internet access can call FREEPHONE 0800 0730 348 (Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm) to complete the survey over the phone or request a postal survey. The phone line is being managed by M·E·L Research who are managing the consultation process on behalf of Herefordshire Council.

The survey will close on Sunday 7 February 2021.

A mobile Covid-19 testing centre for north Herefordshire is now operating on the Broad Street Car Park in Leominster. The unit opened will offer tests from 10.30am until 3.30pm each day and will be in place for the foreseeable future. It is being provided by the regional NHS test and trace team.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, persistent cough, loss or change in sense of taste or smell – should immediately book a test by ringing NHS 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. They should self-isolate (not leave their home) while waiting for their test and until they have the result. Anyone who cannot get to a test centre can order a home test kit.

Who can get a free test

You can only get a free NHS test if at least one of the following applies:

• you have a high temperature
• you have a new, continuous cough
• you've lost your sense of smell or taste or it's changed
• you've been asked to by a local council
• you're taking part in a government pilot project

You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms.

Pembridge Good Neighbour Scheme are a free service supporting local people in the parish of Pembridge.

If you need someone to for example:

• Fetch a prescription
• Do some shopping
• Walk or feed your pet
• Just call you for a chat

Just give them a call on 07779122499 from 9-5pm

Flooding affected much of Herefordshire in October 2019 and February 2020, causing damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Herefordshire Council is gathering information from everyone affected to help inform future flood risk management activities in the county. To support this, the Council is asking anyone affected by the flooding to complete our survey. We would be grateful for any comments by 10 December 2020. A consolidated summary of the findings of the survey will be published on our flooding web pages next year.

Complete flood survey 

For more information on flooding, see Herefordshire Council webpages

Early Help Hub

Herefordshire Council’s Early Help Hub offers a confidential support service to Herefordshire families with children aged 0 to 19 years. 

The Early Help team can provide families and professionals (working with families) with advice and guidance to support them through the difficult times and help them to get back on track.

Difficulties could include:

• Family relationships

• Challenging behaviours

• Domestic abuse

• Housing issues

• Struggling with finances

• Emotional and mental health

• Safety in the community

• Substance abuse

The Early Help Hub team are available on 01432 260261 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, closed on bank holidays) or email earlyhelpcontacts@herefordshire.gov.uk

To find out more about the Early Help service visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/earlyhelp

For information about local support services for families, visit the WISH website www.wisherefordshire.org

Keep Herefordshire Warm

As winter’s cold weather starts to bite, we all need to stay warm and healthy in our homes. For many families, higher energy bills and keeping warm is going to be a struggle in the coming months. Keep Herefordshire Warm are pleased to offer a series of short webinars aimed at helping you to support struggling families this winter.

The webinars are free and last 20 minutes with a Q&A session at the end.  You can register for each session by simply clicking through to the Eventbrite link below each topic.

They cover a range of relevant topics; 

• Health in a cold home and COVID19

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/health-in-a-cold-home-and-covid19-tickets-128386536587    

• When should you be concerned about energy welfare?- signs to look out for.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/when-should-you-be-concerned-about-energy-welfare-tickets-128389110285 

• How can we save money on home energy this winter?

 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-we-save-money-and-energy-on-home-energy-this-winter-tickets-128389657923

• What Funding is available for improving your home?

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-funding-is-available-for-improving-your-home-tickets-128390598737 

A thank you to Herefordshire residents for following the Covid-19 rules is available through this link

An open letter from Herefordshire Council and local health partners

Gigaclear will be working on pavement by Pembridge Café and in order to minimise impact on local businesses this is planned to be done in the evening on Monday from 5 pm to 10pm. There will be traffic lights to manage the bridge street element.

Small Business Recovery Grant launched by Marches Local Enterprise Partnership.

A new grant scheme been launched to help small businesses who have suffered from the pandemic across Herefordshire.

Grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 are available through the Marches Small Business Recovery Grant, which will help both tourism businesses and those in the wider economy.

Only small businesses with up to ten full-time employees and who can demonstrate a negative impact due to the coronavirus crisis are able to apply.

The grants will be available for projects running between November and January. Costs can cover specialist advice – including HR, accountancy, legal, financial, health and safety, IT/digital and sector-related consultancy – and/or equipment to address immediate needs in response to Covid-19.

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership region has been allocated £215,000 to support tourism businesses and £415,000 for businesses in other sectors through the European Regional Development Fund.

Applications will open on Wednesday 14 October at 9am so please take the opportunity to review the information provided on the dedicated website www.marches-sbrg.co.uk around eligibility and what’s needed in order to prepare and make a successful application.

There is a recent emergence in a scam targeting the elderly with several incidents reported to the police in the last few days.

• Information on be scam aware on Herefordshire Council’s website is here
• Additional information is on the WISH website, and
• Scam Alert | Police are receiving multiple calls about a Police officer saying they are from the metropolitan police asking for fraudulent money to be handed over. This is a scam, Police will never ask you to hand over money. Please make elderly friends and relatives aware

Have you seen the fantastic new WISH website?

Launched at the end of July, it not only has a fresh new look, but also incorporates a great range of new features and benefits, which will enable residents to continue finding the health and wellbeing information and support they need.

The new features, include… 

My Information Booklet: This enables you to create a personalised booklet of information, services and activities, which can be e-mailed or downloaded.

Services directory: An improved and easier to use directory, including dedicated home care and care homes categories, to help you quickly find the information you need.

What’s on calendar: Event listings can now feature posters, to make it even easier to promote / find all the information you need in one place.

Google Translate: You’ll be able to automatically translate WISH into over 100 different languages, including Chinese, Lithuanian, Polish and Portuguese.

Feedback service: This handy new online form will enable you to easily provide feedback about WISH, which will help them to continue improving the service.

Volunteering opportunities: You’ll be able to see the different organisations and charities, across the county, where you can volunteer.

Did you know…

WISH has recently added some great new sections, including Coronavirus: Local community information, Coronavirus: Stay at home exercises and activities, Cooking at home, Summer activities in Herefordshire and a Speech and language toolkit for parents and carers.  This means it now features over 325 wellbeing information pages, 950 registered services and groups and 350 activities and events every month!

To find what you need for you and your family, follow WISH on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (WishHereford) or visit www.wisherefordshire.org.

West Mercia Police have asked us to circulate this important information about courier fraud.

Help control the virus

To protect yourself and others, when you leave home you must:

• wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly
• cover face - wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces on public transport and in shops
• make space - stay at least a metre away from people not in your household

If you are feeling unwell, call 111, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days.

Herefordshire Council website offers local information and support available https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200250/coronavirus

LATEST INFORMATION ON COVID 19

Government announces easing of lockdown measures to be postponed

The Government has today announced that further easing of coronavirus restrictions in England - due to come in this weekend - has been postponed for at least two weeks.

That means venues such as casinos, bowling alleys, and skating rinks must remain closed until 15 August.Indoor performances will also not resume, pilots of larger gatherings in sports venues and conference centres will not take place, and wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted.

Face coverings will be also be mandatory in more indoor settings, such as cinemas, and people attending places of worship will also be among those required to wear face coverings. Rules for face coverings will become enforceable in law from 8 August.

Changes to shielding

The guidance for ‘shielding’ patients will change from tomorrow, Saturday 1 August.

The key changes are:

• the government will no longer be advising people to shield
• support from the National Shielding Service of free food parcels, medicine deliveries and care will stop
• NHS Volunteer Responders will carry on delivering the food you buy, prescriptions and essential items where needed
• you will still be eligible for priority supermarket slots (if you have registered by 17 July)
• you can go to work, as long as the workplace is COVID-secure – but carry on working from home if you can
• children who are clinically extremely vulnerable can go back to school (when the rest of their class goes back)
• you can go outside to buy food, to places of worship and for exercise – keeping 2 metres away wherever possible

For all the latest guidance on the changes and help available, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Extension of self-isolation period

The UK Chief Medical Officers as of 30 July made a statement confirming that the self-isolation period has been extended from 7 to 10 days for those who have coronavirus symptoms or a positive test result.

Read the new guidelines at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers-on-extension-of-self-isolation-period-30-july-2020

NHS Test and Trace launches campaign

NHS Test and Trace have this week launched a new campaign to encourage everyone to get a free test as soon as they develop symptoms, alongside a new business plan to expand testing capacity and prepare the nation for winter.

The campaign will encourage people to get a free test as soon as they develop mild symptoms and will make them aware of the need to respond to the service if contacted.

The number of tests given to people without symptoms will increase to 150,000 per day by September, with testing capacity to double to 500,000 with more than 500 testing sites by October.

More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-test-and-trace-launches-campaign-to-encourage-everyone-with-symptoms-to-get-a-free-test

Kington Recycling Centre  - Open from Friday 10 July for pre-booked vehicles only

Open hours: 8am to 6pm Friday and Saturday and Sunday

Use the web address below to book on line or Call Herefordshiere Council customer service teams to book you in on 01432 260000. 

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200138/rubbish_and_recycling/893/coronavirus_information_for_waste_and_recycling/2

• You will not be allowed access to the site without a pre-booked pass
• Bookings can only be made online
• Booking is available for residents of Herefordshire only
• You will need to provide your address and vehicle registration
• A pass will be provided that you can show on your mobile device or print out
• Residents may book up to 2 slots every 14 days
• Anyone wishing to use a commercial type vehicle or a trailer larger than 1.3m in length will still require a (CVT) permit, through separate application
• Bicycles and pedestrians are NOT currently permitted

The following household recycling centres are also open, with no need to book:

• Hereford HRC, Chapel Road, Rotherwas
• Leominster HRC, Bridge Street, Leominster
• Open hours 8am to 6pm - 7 days per week

Please do not visit unless it is necessary for you to do so and read the full guidelines before you visit to see how the site will operate.

A new directory of summer activities has been developed on the WISH website, to help keep children and families active and entertained during the summer holidays, particularly in light of coronavirus

If you have any activities or events taking place during the holidays, we’d love to add them to the WISH events calendar, so we can help more people find what’s on across the county.  It’s quick, easy and free to do, simply visit the WISH website. 

Alternatively, please contact the WISH Team directly with the relevant details, so they can add them on your behalf.  You can contact the team at info@wisherefordshire.org.

To see what’s available across Herefordshire this summer, visit www.wisherefordshire.org/summeractivities.

Letter from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire

Herefordshire Council to reinstate Car park Charges from 15th June 2020.

For the full story follow this link - Herefordshire Parking Charges

JUNE  UPDATE (WITHOUT PHOTOS)

FOR PEMBRIDGE, SHOBDON, LYONSHALL, EARDISLAND & TITLEY GROUP PARISHES

ARROW WARD 

From your local Herefordshire County councillor

Cllr Roger Phillips

rjphillips@herefordshire.gov.uk

Dear Residents

Thankfully this beautiful weather has helped us all cope with these strange times. Who would have thought at the end of one of wettest winters ever that three month later we would be desperate for rain. I have been taking my daily exercises in the ward walking our footpaths and enjoying our countryside and the sunshine. I think we all realise how lucky we are to reside here, I was talking to one of my colleague councillors in a London Borough where over 90% of her ward live in flats with some huge social issues and problems. 

Continued thanks to all lead co ordinators and helpers for their work; our lead link member with Herefordshire Council has changed with Jane stepping back to her substantive role in social care and she is succeeded by Janette Rowette and supported by Morag Clayton and Zoe Johns – contacts details later on in report. 

This month, if the statistics allow, will see the phased return of some of our school pupils and reopening of some shops although we will have to wait to next month probably for a haircut. I pass on peoples request for further opening  of our waste sites particularly Kington but the cabinet member is not supportive at this stage only agreeing to reopen Ross  to add to Hereford and Leominster indicating staff shortage and costs as reasons to delay.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

We are entering a different phase of this pandemic but we need to remain vigilant act with responsibility and respect social distancing. If you are moving around the area please also have respect for others and pick up your litter.

As public meetings are not allowed we are having to resort to virtual meeting via various internet suppliers- zoom, bluejeans, Microsoft teams etc. Wearing various hats I am involved in several meetings a week and have chaired some which is a very different experience. Last week I presented to a pension webinar and launched the Local Government Pension Scheme Annual report from my sitting room – very 21^st century.  Certainly I don’t miss the travel and I think more of such meetings will be one of the positive outcomes from this virus.

As you can see from my laptop screen picture ( Lyonshall PC ) the Parish Council meetings are also very different these days but responsibilities continue with discussions and decisions needing  to be made. I appreciate that it may be difficult for some residents to observe the meetings but given the extraordinary times were are in this is the most practical option across the country. I have had a zoom meeting with all my parish clerks and joined PC meetings in Lyonshall, Shobdon, Pembridge and Eardisland in May with Titley group next week.

Getting the protocol right is important –everyone switching to mute except the speaker, getting the camera angle right,  pressing the correct links and buttons, and of course you can always look at what’s on the wall behind everyone !

This month working with our MP I have been establishing maintenance works responsibilities  on the river arrow with the Environment Agency. Any dredging or clearing has to be done by the riparian owner and they need a license from the EA.  Hopefully this virus will leave us but the threat of flooding will remain so we need to work on local plans to reduce risk particularly in Eardisland and Lyonshall who were impacted in February.

I have also upon a request sought clarity via our MP with Natural England on their advice to the council on the phosphate issue. This is an extract from their letter

“Natural England provide statutory scientific advice, in this instance regarding whether the impacts of development on the integrity of the River Wye SAC can be ruled out with sufficient certainty. The planning authority will be mindful that its decision could be subject to Judicial Review.

As you are aware we are working with Herefordshire Council, Environment Agency and other partners, through the Nutrient Management Board to find an effective solution as soon as possible to enable developments to proceed.”

They confirmed the council would risk judicial review if they ignored their advice.  As I said last month I suspect there will be no permissions for living extensions or new dwellings this year or indeed beyond.  Such a restriction on the catchment area of the river Lugg which includes the rivers Arrow, Hindwell and Frome mean 40% of the county is affected. This will have an impact on our delivery of our Herefordshire housing targets. We are already failing our 5 year supply and if we fall below 3 year supply we are at risk in the rest of the county and ourselves when the ban is lifted to developers who will be able to ride over the county core strategy and Neighborhood plans.

In this month`s update I cover Covid-19 with some key messaging and information on Test and Tracing, Highway matters, new bus shelter in Titley and some visitors from America. 

All interspersed with  pictures I have been taking in the ward from my walks include the Titley loop and pool, the river Arrow at Staunton weir, old tramway at Lyonshall, Twyford in Eardisland and the woods above Belgate Shobdon – all taken while on public footpaths. 

As ever if you think I can be of help please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stay safe and well everybody

ROGER

Titley Bus Shelter

Great to see this new bus shelter in Titley commissioned by the Parish Council and built by local lifelong parish resident Mark Jones.

For generations the children and adults have had to stand in the open braving all the elements so it`s a much wanted and valued addition to the village. Sadly due to the virus we couldn’t give the shelter the official opening it deserves but as you can see it was decked out for the VE celebrations. Similar in design to the those also built locally in Lyonshall by their Parish Council these structures compliment our rural communities much better than the urban metal types.

TITLEY  ROAD CLOSURE   B4355

June 12^th – 16^th   9am to 5 pm  for  Surface dressing  

VISTORS FROM AMERICA

Shobdon airfield has over the years played host to many different aircraft but this month saw one of the most modern and spectacular as the US special services flew  in with their Tilt-Rota V-22 Osprey. They were here to train with their UK colleagues from the SAS and many residents will have seen and heard them during the day and at night.

According to the manufacturer this combat multiplier represents “a quantum improvement in strategic mobility and tactical flexibility for expeditionary forces”.

It has a wingspan of 46 ft, height of 22 ft, can transport 24 troops and travel up to 300 mph .

As the lockdown is eased the airfield will be gradually be re-opening to more normal activity initially three days a week Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays at the beginning of this month.   

KEY MESSAGES & ADVICE

Please make positive and sensible choices and be responsible citizens, by doing this you will save lives, protect the NHS and keep yourself and your family safe.

• Please continue to limit who you have contact with as much as possible.
• Please take personal responsibility and take sensible steps to maintain social distancing if you do go out.
• You are able to spend time outdoors with up to six people as long as those from different households maintain social distancing.
• Being outdoors reduces the risk of infection, but it doesn’t eradicate it. Please maintain social distancing.
• We are fortunate to have some beautiful places within our counties, and many people will be glad they now have the option to make the most of them over the coming weeks. If you travel somewhere and it’s busy, please be sensible and go elsewhere or return at a different time. Keep in mind the purpose of the regulations and the ongoing national effort to protect the NHS and save lives.
• There is different legislation and guidance in place in Wales, please respect it.
• Please continue to keep washing your hands. This is a vital part of reducing the risk of infection.
• If you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, it is vital that you self-isolate for seven days and order a test immediately. If you test positive for coronavirus, you must share information promptly about your recent contacts through the NHS test and trace service to help alert other people who may need to self-isolate. If you have had close recent contact with someone who has coronavirus, you must self-isolate if the NHS test and trace service advises you to do so. If someone you live with is feeling unwell or displaying symptoms, please self-isolate for 14 days.
• Some people might not display symptoms so social distancing and hand washing remains vital. You can wear a face covering when out, to protect other people when you may be asymptomatic
• Facilities such as waste & recycling centres, outdoor sports clubs, and outdoor retail outlets such as garden centres are now starting to reopen. Please follow the social distancing instructions and directions regarding entry and queuing, be aware that they might be busy, and try to avoid peak times.
• Hereford and Leominster waste and recycling centres are open for essential waste that can’t be stored safely. Please only visit if it is absolutely necessary and be prepared for queues.
• West Mercia Police will continue to engage with the public, explaining and encouraging people in relation to the guidance and social distancing, and we will only take enforcement action where it is absolutely necessary - when there are clear breaches of the restrictions, predominantly people gathering in large groups.
• The NHS are still available and services continue. Please do not delay in seeking medical attention, should you need it.
• If you are self-isolating and don’t have support, contact Talk Community on 01432 260027 or local Parish contacts at the end of this email.

The national programme for Test and Trace has been launched. This programme of work is now a very important part of the strategy to contain the spread of the virus. 

As part of the whole system it will be necessary for local areas across the country to develop the intelligence system to identify localised, positive cases of Covid-19. This will enable us to identify outbreaks if they occur and to decide what action would be appropriate. The intention is to suppress outbreaks before they spread, and through early action taken across our system within the county, we can contain the virus. 

Absolutely key to the success of this work which will last many months  is engagement and support of communities. Herefordshire has a population of 192,000 people of which 56,000 are consider as a high risk due to age ( over 70) or underlying health issues. Amongst those some 8,000 are on the Shield and protect list who are the people our local network is particularly established to oversee. 

Contact tracing is a well-established method of preventing and controlling outbreaks from measles and TB through to sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia. The principles are tried and tested. 

If you are displaying symptoms you must order a test immediately  ( website – NHS 111online ) and self isolated together with other members of the household. Following a confirmed diagnosis the authority and Public Health England will help you to remember everyone who you have had close contact with while you could have been infectious. They contact and warn everyone who might be at risk, as quickly as possible, offering advice on how they should act in order to help prevent further spread. This is the way we can limit an outbreak and if necessary prevent a special lockdown for part or whole of Herefordshire can be ordered.

As the unlock hopefully continues the activity of the local economy should increase. The Government has given Herefordshire £172,000 to support the reopening of the high street for this month. My understanding is that will be focused on Hereford and the market towns and should include some limited opening of public toilets. 

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership ( LEP ) which covers our area carried out a survey of businesses in the sub region. Its conclusions while not surprising starkly warn us about the tough economic recovery we face.

Of the business responding 98% had been affected by Covid -19 with 44% suffering a complete loss of sales, and similarly 44% also had taken advantage of the Coronavirus  job retention scheme to furlough staff. The £10,000 cash grant for small schemes has been taken up by 35%,  with only 12% taken up or applied for the business loans scheme. Just over half the survey replies confirmed they were not eligible for small business grants, small business rate relief or rural rate relief with 25% identifying cashflow as their greatest challenge and 15% falling sales. 

The LEP has also allocated over 400,000 from Government to Herefordshire to support the restart of the visitor economy.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESS

Many of our local business are supporting our community with supplying delivery of groceries, take away food and other items.

They are too many too list here in case I miss someone but they will be on your local websites. Please support them. If this crisis teaches us anything it is the importance of local community and a local economy. 

As of the 27th May  there had been 108 deaths with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in Herefordshire, of these,  53 of these were in hospital (acute or community); 50 in care homes; 2 in hospice; 3 at home address. There has been a reduction in cases in care homes and the council is working with all homes as it has been allocated 2.7 million from the National Care Home Fund. PPE continues to be distributed to care homes, homecare and to schools as they increase their opening. Over 70 previously homeless people in the county are currently being housed by the local authority.

More details for local businesses on smallbusinessgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk

Local information on services and advice www.Herefordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

National information  www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

www.gov.uk/coronavirus

BE NICE NOSEY NEIGHBOURS

HIGHWAY MATTERS 

The latest news on the Lawton`s cross change of priority project is that it has been put back to the summer. Balfour Beatty are waiting for conformation from Highways England on their work programme on the A49 to ensure they do not clash with them.

The Lawtons cross  project will take five weeks and they also need to be confident that the material supply chain will be secure and not affected by Covid 19. 

My latest battle with Balfour is in Shobdon on the B4362 just west of the village in the Downwood dip where water has been crossing the highway all winter with poor road surface and potholes. It is now erupting in the middle of the highway as on the north side, as the picture shows it cannot escape . The other side of the wall has over half an acre of flooded land and this was mid May after over weeks of dry weather. 

While acknowledging a problem, Balfour however do not believe (incredibly) that there is a blocked culvert under the highway !  They are ranking it as number 9 on the priority list which means it will not be dealt with untill spring 2021 at the earliest.

I consider the  “Downwood dip” is likely to need several visits a year to repair potholes, the integrity of the wall and trees are being undermined with increased danger of falling into the highway. Given the acknowledged weakness of the integrity of the road surface it will be more liable to successful driver claims. But most importantly the presence of water on the carriageway will increase the risk of accidents and danger to persons at times of high rainfall and freezing. 

The saga of the underground spring at Fishpools in Lyonshall continues ( picture below during winter ) which is difficult to identify but we now have a small sink hole appearing in the pavement ! I am also working with Shobdon PC on the provision of a new footbridge off the main road by the Bateman. 

The lack of traffic and dry weather is helping highway repairs so  please report any problems on highways or footpaths using the links below or phone 01432261800.

Go onto Herefordshire Council website and download the pothole App to help report potholes

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-highways/maintenance/potholes

https://myaccount.herefordshire.gov.uk/report-a-pothole 

Report  fly tipping it will be dealt with in a much quicker time frame. by either calling the Contact Cente on 01432 261800 or by logging the fly tipping via thecouncil website on the links below as your https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200226/report_a_problem/98/fly_tipping

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-highways/footpaths-byways-and-bridleways/cg-report-prow-problem   

If you wish to make a claim as a result of damage to your vehicle

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200196/roads/206/highway_claims

LEAD LOCAL CONTACTS 

Email:Talkcommunitycovidresponse@herefordshire.gov.uk      Telephone: 01432 260027

Our lead  Officer is Janette Rowlett      janette.rowlett@herefordshire.gov.uk

Eardisland : Co-ordinators Margaret Milchard margaretmilchard@btinternet.com  on 01544 388097 or  Sue Wallis  dandswallis@hotmail.co.uk  on 01544 388066

Eardisland website www.eardisland-pc.gov.uk

Lyonshall: Coordinator lead Rod Bevan 01544340347   Rodney Bevan <rodneyjbevan@gmail.com>

Website: www.lyonshall.net. 

Pembridge :Coordinator lead Pembridge Good Neighbours Scheme : Pat Stokes paturnal@btinternet.com   PGNS: Tel number 07779 122499

Website: www.pembridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk  ::  www.wisherefordshire.org/Kington

Shobdon Contacts for Shobdon community support are Adrienne Boxhall (01568 708643) and Emma Lewis (01568 708694).

Information can be found on Shobdon COVID 19 facebook page and also by visiting  http://www.shobdonparishcouncil.co.uk/coronavirus-help-and-information.

Titley- Shaun Haydon    -   braydrude@yahoo.co.uk

Titley & District Group website :   https://titleygroup-pc.gov.uk

PLEASE BE SCAM AWARE BY EMAIL, FACEBOOK & ON DOORSTEP

West Mercia Police have issued a warning to members of the public that criminals are using the COVID-19 pandemic to scam people out of money.  The police are urging people not to click the online bait and become a victim.  Also, the police, HMRC or banks will never ask anyone to transfer money or move it to a safe account, so please ignore these requests.

There have been reports in Herefordshire  of doorsteps salemen  claiming to be from the NHS !

You can read the latest news about the coronavirus scams in detail on the West Mercia Police website.

Symptoms and what to do

Do not leave your home if you have either:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
  
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.

Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online. 

PARISH  CONTACTS

Pembridge         clerk@pembridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk

Shobdon           shobdonparishclerk@gmail.com

Lyonshall            lyonshallparishclerk@gmail.com

Eardisland         parish.clerk@eardisland-pc.gov.uk

Titley Group       rachaeljones.titleypc@gmail.com

If you want to discuss a planning matter please contact

Adam.Lewis@herefordshire.gov.uk

If you a planning enforcement concern 

mttansley@herefordshire.gov.uk

Our COMMUNITY SUPORT OFFICERS

Dean Wall  07773053846

Emma Dunne  0797105147 

Felix Rawlinson 07971051480 

Report a crime  Police 101 Ext 61216 

DATA PROTECTION ACT

The Data Protection act places obligations and responsibilities  on any company, organisation and individual who hold and process personnel information. The new General data protection regulations (GDPR) that supersede the Data Protection act came  into force on the 25^th May 2018. I hold a list of emails of local people that I have built up over the years which I retain and use on my council computer.  In seeking legal compliance  I am requesting that if anyone is unhappy with me holding your email contact please advise me and I will remove you from the list. Otherwise I will retain your email contact and continue to send you monthly updates and occasional key information in my capacity as an elected Herefordshire Councillor. 

“Any opinion expressed in this e-mail or any attached files are those of the individual and not necessarily those of Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (HCCG), Wye Valley NHS Trust or 2gether NHS Foundation Trust. You should be aware that Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (HCCG), Wye Valley NHS Trust & 2gether NHS Foundation Trust monitors its email service. This e-mail and any attached files are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee. This communication may contain material protected by law from being passed on. If you are not the intended recipient and have received this e-mail in error, you are advised that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error please contact the sender immediately and destroy all copies of it.”

Warmer homes Herefordshire Council is working with E.ON to help people across the county improve the heating of their homes by installing free first-time gas central heating systems in around 300 eligible residents’ homes. 

The project follows a successful funding bid by the Council to the £150 million Warm Homes Fund, established by National Grid, and administered by community interest company Affordable Warmth Solutions. 

Eligible households not connected to mains gas and currently relying on inefficient ways of heating their homes, for example electric storage or panel heaters, could be eligible for the measures, which are part of the Warmer Homes Herefordshire scheme. Subject to eligibility, where there is no existing gas supply to the property, a new gas network connection will also be provided by Affordable Warmth Solutions, usually at no cost. Still funded by Affordable Warmth Solutions, eligible properties (must be without existing central heating, unless the existing system uses solid fuel). Under this rural programme they would be able to support the installation of heating systems– e.g. LPG Gas, or Renewable heating (e.g. heat pumps or biomass systems).

For the full eligibility criteria and to apply, they would encourage any residents to call Keep Herefordshire Warm on 0800 677 1432 or email khw@severnwye.org.uk and take a look at: https://keepherefordshirewarm.co.uk/

WISH Herefordshire is a useful source of information, including local food stores / deliveries and virtual exercises and activities to do at home. Work is undertaken to keep this information up to date and relevant. If you know of any changes or additional services please could you ask they register them with WISH. A lot has been added to this site in light of Covid 19 and any help you can give to promote WISH locally, as a community resource, would be greatly appreciated.

Leominster Food bank offer support to those who meet the criteria for food parcels.

A short briefing note is attached which explains how someone gets referred and how it works. 

Please read the attached document HERE to see how to find out if you qualify. 

Contact Details: Food bank mobile is 07715410575 and email address is leominsterfoodbank@gmail.com

Allotments

If anyone in the local area is interested in growing their own, there are two remaining plots still available, probably as 4 half-plots.

Note that advice given by the national allotments organisation is that you should either walk or drive a short distance to allotments, and that working on them can be your daily exercise. If interested get in touch with Richard Goddard on 01544 387571.

Pembridge Film Club

Pembridge Film Nights are obviously suspended for the foreseeable future, but we are planning "Film Nights At Home", when we will agree a specific film to watch at a particular time on iPlayer or on Curzon Home Cinema. The intention is that this gives a communal feel to film-viewing, and we could discuss our thoughts about the films afterwards in a WhatsApp group (or similar). If anyone is interested, contact us at info@pembridgefilmnights.org.uk and we'll add them to the mailing list.

If you walk the Parish Footpaths for your daily exercise please stick the the public footpaths.

Keep your dog on a lead and pick up it's mess and take it home with you please!!

Please click for the  Definitive Footpath Map  and just enter your postcode.

Link to letter from Herefordshire Council Chief executive Alistair Neill - HERE

Click Here for link to Page 1

Click Here for link to Page 2

Click HERE for a link  to local shops open and offering service in Kington

Click HERE for a link to local shops open and offering services in Presteigne.

Message for all parishioners in Pembridge Parish.

Here to Help!

Thank you to all those who have registered on the website and returned your information slips over the last week, this information is helping to identify possible volunteers and vulnerable people, so if you haven’t sent yours in yet please do to clerk@pembridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk or post to the address on the letter.

You should have by now received a letter from Herefordshire Council in response to the Covid 19 outbreak providing simple steps to take and support contact details.

You can call the support line on 01432 260027 or email talkcommunitycovidresponse@herefordshire.gov.uk

Over the coming weeks it is important our community looks out of each other, please think about your neighbours or elderly people nearby, give them a quick phone call to check all is well and please offer help if you can.

If you are or know someone in need of help, Pembridge Good Neighbour Scheme (PGNS) are organising volunteers to call on for essential supplies, prescriptions and well being contact.

PGNS - Please telephone 07779 122499  between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

If you are able to volunteer you please let us know clerk@pembridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk or help in the wider county please contact www.herefordshire.gov.uk/covid19help

There are some local business offering home delivery. Here are some but by all means not all, if you know of any others please let us know and we will update the list.

Townsend Farm Shop - https://www.thewhatmeatcompany.co.uk or Call 01544388527

The Steppes – deliveries from the shop - 01544388506

Red Lion for Takeaway -  01544388007

Bells in Almeley – 01544327216 – email – thebellsinnalmeley.com

Lyonshall Garden Centre - Delivery service for garden needs - 01544340214

Helpful Links

NHS – Information on Symptoms

Herefordshire Council – Information

Gov.uk – Masses of information for all areas

Please remember there are scams operating on all platforms.

• Do not give your bank details to anyone claiming to help you. Never give your PIN number to anyone either.
• Do not click through on emails or other message links  - visit their webpage instead
• Do not sign contracts with third parties who claim to be acting on behalf of the Council.

Coronavirus update from Herefordshire Council

Herefordshire Council are currently experiencing a very high demand at the moment with the daily announcements from the government. As we’re sure you can appreciate, we are putting all of the necessary measures in place to ensure we have business continuity for our service in these uncertain times.

Here is an update: 

Council Tax 

Residents left struggling to pay their Council Tax can apply for Council Tax Reduction, which is a form of reduction from a Council Tax bill based on the household composition and income. More information on Council Tax Reduction and how to claim can be found here. 

Self-employed residents can put in a request for their Council Tax installments to be deferred until June, where needed. In such circumstances, requests must be made by emailing counciltax@herefordshire.gov.uk including their Council Tax account reference number (8 digits long, beginning with 1) and proof of their self-employed status.

Business grants 

Businesses eligible for grants will be contacted directly by smallbusinessgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk.

Online services 

Given the high demand currently, Herefordshire Council are urging all of our customers to register on our online portal to view their accounts for Council Tax, Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction, Business Rates and Landlord services online to help speed up the response time to customers’ queries.

Doing so will also allow customers to sign up for electronic billing for Council Tax and electronic notifications for Housing Benefits and/or Council Tax Reduction.

Visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/myaccount.

General updates

Residents can also subscribe to receive the latest updates on COVID-19 in Herefordshire here.

WISH is a Herefordshire based resource where you can find help and support in the County.

https://www.wisherefordshire.org 

Link to newsletter from Police Commissioner, John Champion.

Herefordshire Council has stated, residents that pay council tax over ten months can switch their ‘free’ months from Feb & Mar 2021 to earlier this year if needed. The council will be releasing full details very soon on how you can request this and further help and support around payments.

Other helpful links 👇

www.herefordshire.gov.uk/eclaim for new applications for Council Tax Reduction

Link to information from Herefordshire Council for Businesses

Herefordshire Council have been developing a Talk Community Covid Response and are sending every household in Herefordshire (88k) a letter focused on the vulnerable people and the support they will need outside of their existing network.  They have a central coordination centre with a dedicated telephone line for vulnerable people and volunteers to contact them and they will then link them back into the community organisations.  There is already some fantastic community responses happening and the council can support the infrastructure through this response and provide community resilience.

People wishing to volunteer can register and vulnerable people needing support can register on the following link: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/covid19help, the dedicated telephone number will be fully live from Tuesday 24^th March which is 01432 260027 and email address talkcommunitycovidresponse@herefordshire.gov.uk.

Link to poster

The Playground will be closed until further notice

The council’s Economic Development Team delivers a service called the Marches Growth Hub Herefordshire.  This online service offers FREE support services for all local businesses.  There are a number of government supported initiatives that can potentially help businesses through this unprecedented time of uncertainty. 

If you are a business wishing to have further information on Covid-19 then the details of the local support are available on the Marches Growth Hub Website - https://www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/advice-and-support/coronavirus-information-for-businesses/  Alternatively if you wish to discuss with a member of the Economic Development team please contact01432 261758 or 01432 383633 or business@herefordshire.gov.uk 

Update on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

Herefordshire Council and its partners are well prepared to deal with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There are tried and tested procedures to prevent further spread and the NHS is very well prepared and used to managing infections. 

You may receive or already had questions and queries from your community about the coronavirus. To help assist and support you signpost people to the most suitable sources of information please visit the Herefordshire Council website https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus. The website has links to a variety of guidance documents which you may find useful for people.  We advise that you do not print or download guidance but use the links provided, which will be updated as required based on new information.

How you can help:

There are a number of message your Parish Council can do to help promote awareness.

• Encourage people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, especially before cooking and eating; after using the toilet and using public transport. Please display the enclosed posters within your communities.
• Remind people to ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’: If you sneeze or cough remember to catch it with a tissue; bin it and kill it by washing your hands or using a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water isn’t available.
• Advise people to follow PHE’s returning traveller advice: There are some countries and areas where there's a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus. If you have returned from travelling outside of the UK within the last 14 days please check and follow the PHE specificadvice for returning travellers.
• Add the ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’ to your email signature (copy in my signature below): remind people to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene by adding theenclosed logo to the bottom of your email signature.  
• Signpost people to reputable sources of information: stay up to date and avoidmisinformation by visiting and signposting people to the below web pages.  

Additional sources of general information:

For the latest, reputable sources of information about this coronavirus please visit and signpost the general public to the following websites:

• Health advice about coronavirus: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Latest information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public   
• Frequently asked Questions: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

www.gov.uk/coronavirus

A group of Herefordshire Tree Wardens led by Tony Norman have been working on a plan to make disease resistant elm trees available to the public for planting.

There are several different varieties available, all have very good resistance to Dutch Elm disease and will grow with a similar form to the trees of yesteryear. These are best planted in hedgerows or in positions where they can become features in our landscape.

Elm Tree Offer

European White Elm  £10 (Plant anywhere esp. wet or waterlogged sites)

LUTECE  £10  (plant in good or heavy soils –needs staking to start)

Wingham  £12  (plant in good soils)

Fiorente    £12   Available Dec (plant in good soils)

Ademuz    £12   Available Dec (plant in good or heavy soils)

Please follow this LINK for full details or contact Tony Norman  -  tony@theleen.co.uk

Help to keep warm and well this winter. Keep Herefordshire Warm offers FREE home energy advice and support • l Would your home benefit from increased insulation and/or improved heating? • l Are you worried about how you are going to pay your gas and electricity bills this winter? • l Do you feel uncomfortable or ill because of cold or damp in your home? If you think you or someone you know would benefit from this service or intervention please contact Keep Herefordshire Warm on 0800 677 1432 or text 07583 940914 or email khw@mea.org.uk

Please use these details if you are concerned about the wellbeing or safeguarding of children or vunerable adults

More information Here